Fitness challenge pits hockey, football against dance

Football, hockey and ballet faced off at a local gym in Winnipeg last night, in a fitness competition hosted by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

It was meant to showcase the athletic abilities of dancers.

The NHL's Ryan Garbutt of the Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Blue Bomber Pierre-Luc Labbe, and Royal Winnipeg Ballet dancer Eric Nipp were pitted against each other as they were put through their paces on the equipment.

Nipp said it was a good experience.

"I did way better than I thought I would," he said. "I don't think I won any events. But, I came in second place in a bunch of them, and it was really interesting to be able to keep pace with such elite athletes."

While the competition was tough, the hockey player won the top spot. Garbutt said it was a humbling experience.

"Both guys were awesome. I was really impressed with Eric," he said. "I thought he did really well. Great athlete. Definitely impressed with his skills from the ballet. Pierre-Luc is strong. He's a beast."